The perfect yoga poses to power up your mornings
Do you struggle to get out of your bed every morning and hit that snooze button more than often? Believe it or not, most of us have been trapped in this cycle for years, and it is time we do something about it. The solution to this is practising yoga in the morning.
The way you kick-start your mornings is very important because it dictates the rest of your day. Despite living in the fast-paced 21st century; after 7-8 hours of sleep our mind is clear and our body is receptive to positive ideas and messages. This is the best time to practise yoga postures or ‘asanas’ to find the much-required balance in your life. So, pull out your yoga mats and practise these perfect yoga poses to power up your mornings.
Balasana-
Why it works: It is a great pose to stretch the hips, thighs, and ankles. It also helps in reducing stress and fatigue, preparing your mind for a long day ahead.
How to do it: To begin the asana, sit on your knees and place your buttocks on your heels. Place your hands on the thighs with palms facing downwards. While exhaling, slowly bring your chest between your knees and stretch your hands forward on the floor. Breathe gently and hold the posture for 2 to 3 minutes.
Utkatasana
Utkatasana-
Why it works: It tones the leg muscles excellently and stretches your chest and shoulders. It also stimulates the heart, diaphragm, and abdominal organs by activating them for the day.
How to do it: Stand erect with feet parallel and 12 inches apart. Keep your hands stretched out, parallel to the floor and palms facing downwards. Raise your heels and inhale for 2 seconds. Exhaling, lower your body to the floor in squatting position and press your calves. Suspend your breath for 4 seconds. Slowly, rise up inhaling for 2 seconds.
Hastapadasana-
Why it works: The relaxed head and neck stretch the back and shoulders which helps in relaxing the tired muscles. Folding forward helps in releasing lower back tightness and is perfect for individuals who sit for prolonged hours and are susceptible to the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
How to do it: Stand erect while inhaling for 3 seconds and raise your arms above your head. Exhaling for 3 seconds, bend forward so as to catch the ankles by respective hands. Without bending the knees, try to touch the head to the knees. Hold this posture, suspending the breath comfortably and inhaling come back to the standing position.
Konasana III-
Why it works: Strengthens and improves flexibility in the inner thighs, groins, and knees. People who are suffering from constipation can practise this in the morning as it helps immensely.
How to do it: Stand erect with the feet about 20 to 24 inches apart. Exhale and lower the left arm and raise the right arm opposite to each other with the fingers pointing out. Swing them in front of the body. Do a half-twist and bend downwards till the left-hand touches the right toe. Hold this position for 4 seconds with suspension. Begin inhaling and raise the body to side first. Now, twist to the front and repeat alternately on the other side.
Sthitaprarthanasana
Stithaprarthanaasana-
Why it works: This asana gives balance to your body and eases your nervous system. It creates a sense of relaxation and concentration for beginning your day with gratitude.
How to do it: Stand erect and keep the feet close to each other. Fold the hands in front of the chest in ‘namaskar’ position. Close the eyes and observe normal breathing.